Skeet / Trap shooters....I have a question?

[jrebel]

Full disclosure....I am not a huge shotgun guru.  I own quite a few...but really only use them for turkey and grouse.  My son is joining the trap shooting team at his school.  He will be shooting a 20ga semi auto with 7 1/2 or or 8 shot 2 3/4" rounds...7/8 and 1 oz shot.  Now....this is my question...I figured a modified choke would be great.  His coach told him today that a full choke is what he needs.  For all you trap shooters, what do you say??? 

First time shooting was today and he went 11/25 and 14/25 from the 16 yard line.  Not to bad for his first time ever shooting trap. 

[Dukalr]

No way on the full choke unless it’s some strange training idea/tactic (I.e. aim small miss small?). A skeet choke is less constrictive than a modified.  In fact I shoot cylinder (no choke) on all my guns at the skeet range.  Full is good for 27yd trap.  Really not much other use for it at the range.  Use the modified,  he’ll hit more targets

[jrebel]

No way on the full choke unless it’s some strange training idea/tactic (I.e. aim small miss small?). A skeet choke is less constrictive than a modified.  In fact I shoot cylinder (no choke) on all my guns at the skeet range.  Full is good for 27yd trap.  Really not much other use for it at the range.  Use the modified,  he’ll hit more targets

Well....maybe I'm not going nuts.  That's what I thought too, but he kept saying change it out to a full.  I'm gonna leave it as it is.   

[wadu1]

OK, what is he shooting Skeet or Trap? Title says skeet but the description says trap. If shooting Skeet I would be using a Skeet tube if it's Trap, I would be starting him out with a Modified choke. His scores will be better. I'm an NRA certified Shotgun Instructor for Trap and Skeet.

[JWBINX]

Go with the smaller shot size preferably 9s, if you don't have #9 then use your 8s with your Skeet tube.
That info is for skeet only. If he is shooting trap then use Wadu1 info.

[jrebel]

Well.....   Now you see my ignorance as it pertains to trap or skeet.  It is going away from the shooter so I believe trap....vs skeet which if I am correct, go move across the shooters field. 

He is only allowed 1 shot and the pigeon go away from the shooters with the pigeon throwing house being in front of the shooters.  Five shots from five stations per round.

[ghosthunter]

Well.....   Now you see my ignorance as it pertains to trap or skeet.  It is going away from the shooter so I believe trap....vs skeet which if I am correct, go move across the shooters field. 

He is only allowed 1 shot and the pigeon go away from the shooters with the pigeon throwing house being in front of the shooters.  Five shots from five stations per round.

That’s trap.

[ghosthunter]

 Maybe the coach is saying full because he is shooting a 20 ga. Most folks shoot a 12 ga.

What are his team members shooting and how are they scoring ?

The 20 has a little shorter range ,which could make a difference depending on how fast he gets on target.


I shot some time ago with a 12 full choke and did ok.

Just saying, explore all avenues.

[jrebel]

Maybe the coach is saying full because he is shooting a 20 ga. Most folks shoot a 12 ga.

What are his team members shooting and how are they scoring ?

The 20 has a little shorter range ,which could make a difference depending on how fast he gets on target.


I shot some time ago with a 12 full choke and did ok.

Just saying, explore all avenues.

Most the kids are shooting 12 gauge.....well all of them that I watched today.  Most are high school kids and much bigger than my son.  My son is 13 and this is the first year he could join the team, so I am sure he will be shooting a 12 gauge soon enough.  A couple of the kids today went 20-22 / 25 and appear to be very good shooters.  Most were 15-20 / 25. 

My son has always been a natural when it comes to shooting so I imagine in short order he will be competitive.  Today he went 11 and 14....and that is the first time he has ever shot trap.  He did say after practice....."I wish we were shooting long range rifle matches".....We shoot a ton of rifle...not so much shotgun.   

[wadu1]

I wish you folks were an hour or so closer, I could give some basic lessons. Trap is a body mechanics game, foot placement, hold location and being able to swing from your hips. Most misses are caused by stopping your swing or lifting your head. Then look at where he's dropping targets, left or right targets. If he's a right-handed shooter and missing right-hand targets he's pushing the gun away from his face, just the opposite for a lefty.
Nothing wrong with a mod choke from the 16-yard line. I won some cash at a DU shoot at a gate shoot event that's 27-yards +. I used a 20 gauge with a mod choke and 7 1/2 shot this summer.

[jrebel]

Well....went and impulse bought a CZ drake 20ga O/U today.  Sure does feel like a great shotgun for the price point.  Figured if my son is going to be shooting with trap he might as well have an O/U so he fits in with all the other boys.  I figure if he likes this and stays with it, we will buy a little bit more expensive O/U when he moves up to the 12ga. 

I cannot believe the price of a case of 8 shot target loads.....   I remember when you could buy a case for 50 bucks.  Oh, well....it's better he is doing this than causing trouble with his spare time.   

[Henrydog]

I have not logged into this site for several years....but this is a worthy cause.  There is a huge youth movement in Trap, which is a good thing, but shells have more than doubled in the last 2 years.  Hooks on Toys has the worse prices in the Northwest, but unlike a lot of stores they have shells.  Walmart is normally cheaper but you have to cruise the shells a lot. 

I am a AA 16 yard singles shooter and a 27 yard Handicap shooter.  The buckle in my profile photo is proof.  My son was the 2016 ATA Washington State Handicap (JR) champion.

How old in he, and he big and strong is he?  No one shoots a 20ga for ATA trap, it just does not happen.  I understand he is a kid.  I have coached several kids, gun fit is the #1 issue.   He should never have a mark on his cheek of a bruise, if he does it is a fit problem.  There are some easy fixes with pitch spacers if the length of pull in correct.  The worse thing is a stock that is too long. 

His scores are not horrible for a 1st timer.  Shooting a shotgun is 100% the opposite of what dad has taught him about a rifle.  You stop a shotgun, the next word you will hear is "lost".  He would likely be posting 4-4 birds higher score with a 12ga and a full choke.  Trap guns shoot higher than field guns allowing your eye(2) to see the target the whole time.  With a field gun he will likely plateau in the low to 20's.  Footing and hip placement is important hopefully he has a good coach to nip bad habits in the bud.  Seeing you are in EWen in might be a guy by the name of Brian James, if so he is in good hands. 

Choke....in Trap put a full choke in and forget you own a choke wrench.  There are no good trap shooters that shoot anything less than IM. 

When and if he continues buy a used BT99 with an adjustable comb and butt.  It will help with fitment as he grows and his still improves.  They are affordable and a true dedicated trap gun.

Feel free to PM me as well.  I am run local shoots, handicap and squad shooters as well as a board member at my local club.  Its about the only thing I do anymore. 

[Henrydog]

OH....and your wallet will get really light dad. 

[shotguunar]

I was reading along here about this trap shooting for your son great idea one thing that hasn't been brought up is grab 2 or 3 different brands of shells and head to the patterning board that's where it will all come together  improved cylinder modified choke full choke extra full try what you got  proof is in the pudding

[jrebel]

I have not logged into this site for several years....but this is a worthy cause.  There is a huge youth movement in Trap, which is a good thing, but shells have more than doubled in the last 2 years.  Hooks on Toys has the worse prices in the Northwest, but unlike a lot of stores they have shells.  Walmart is normally cheaper but you have to cruise the shells a lot. 

I am a AA 16 yard singles shooter and a 27 yard Handicap shooter.  The buckle in my profile photo is proof.  My son was the 2016 ATA Washington State Handicap (JR) champion.

How old in he, and he big and strong is he?  No one shoots a 20ga for ATA trap, it just does not happen.  I understand he is a kid.  I have coached several kids, gun fit is the #1 issue.   He should never have a mark on his cheek of a bruise, if he does it is a fit problem.  There are some easy fixes with pitch spacers if the length of pull in correct.  The worse thing is a stock that is too long. 

His scores are not horrible for a 1st timer.  Shooting a shotgun is 100% the opposite of what dad has taught him about a rifle.  You stop a shotgun, the next word you will hear is "lost".  He would likely be posting 4-4 birds higher score with a 12ga and a full choke.  Trap guns shoot higher than field guns allowing your eye(2) to see the target the whole time.  With a field gun he will likely plateau in the low to 20's.  Footing and hip placement is important hopefully he has a good coach to nip bad habits in the bud.  Seeing you are in EWen in might be a guy by the name of Brian James, if so he is in good hands. 

Choke....in Trap put a full choke in and forget you own a choke wrench.  There are no good trap shooters that shoot anything less than IM. 

When and if he continues buy a used BT99 with an adjustable comb and butt.  It will help with fitment as he grows and his still improves.  They are affordable and a true dedicated trap gun.

Feel free to PM me as well.  I am run local shoots, handicap and squad shooters as well as a board member at my local club.  Its about the only thing I do anymore.

Henrydog

Thanks for all the great advice.  He is 13 years old and and will be shooting for the Eastmont FFA trap through his school.  He is still a small guy, though he has put on some height in the last year......5' tall 100 lbs.  He is not recoil sensitive, but all my 12 gauge shotguns are just to big for him....especially to swing on targets.  I imagine in the next year or two, he will graduate to a 12 gauge.  He shoots every rifle I own, to include a .338 lapua without issue so it's definitely not the recoil. 

I hope his coaches are good...because I don't have a lot to offer.  I shot trap years ago for recreation...but was self taught.   I purposely bought a field gun today so it can be multi purpose.....that may have been a mistake....but my thoughts were if he stays with the sport, he could get a nice 12 gauge trap gun when he is big enough to handle it.  Hope the field gun doesn't teach him bad habits. 

Again, thanks for all the information.  I will put a full and IM choke in the CZ.  Is there a preference for which one goes on top vs bottom....or is that person by person choice? 

Jrebel

[jrebel]

I was reading along here about this trap shooting for your son great idea one thing that hasn't been brought up is grab 2 or 3 different brands of shells and head to the patterning board that's where it will all come together  improved cylinder modified choke full choke extra full try what you got  proof is in the pudding

His coach ask us to bring extra shells to the next practice for this reason.      Funny how a guy can be pretty well versed in pistol and rifle but not have a clue about trap / skeet shooting.       Never to late to learn though....

[Henrydog]

Is there a preference for which one goes on top vs bottom....or is that person by person choice?

It honestly does not matter....that said most use the bottom barrel and the theory is there is less jump and the recoil is in line with the shoulder?  I personally think that is clubhouse hearsay but it is a common practice.   At his size a 20 is the best choice.  It is not the recoil one time, its is the build up of round after round.  Most youth groups won't shoot more than 100 a day. 

The Patterning board is a good call, at 13 yard you can determine the POI (point of impact).   Another thing a couch will do is check is eye dominance.   FFA shooting programs are better that 4H imo and have better instruction from what I have seen in the last 10 years or so.

I hope he takes to it.  It can be a life long sport.  There are a lot of just good American folks who are trapshooters.   

 

[C-Money]

Your Mod choke will be fine, Full would be fine as well. My 2 cents would be a IM or LF for singles/handi. FFA shoots have game events at longer yardages, so I would take that full choke along if he shoots games. Also, It is wonderful to hear he is getting involved in trap shooting. Hopefully, Dad will get hooked too! My son began with a youth breakopen 28ga, moved into a BT 99 micro and now a BT100. If its a sport that he likes, really think hard about a trap "target" gun. Everything Henrydog has said is completely valid. Nothing wrong starting out with a 20ga. Just get the boy excited about the sport and progress as he grows. Practice targets at the club are really beneficial. His scores will have peeks and valleys....all shooters do. You will see these peeks and valleys begin to flatten out, over time consistently getting upper teens or twenties. Brian James is over at Cashmere gun club. My kids are Sub Jr and Junior Washington State ATA ambassadors and have come a long way since they began shooting. They would be glad to visit with him or give pointers. They both shoot FFA trap, along with ATA. Is Eastmont school using NCW gun club in E Wenatchee? Anyhow, feel free to reach out if you need anything...

[jrebel]

Your Mod choke will be fine, Full would be fine as well. My 2 cents would be a IM or LF for singles/handi. FFA shoots have game events at longer yardages, so I would take that full choke along if he shoots games. Also, It is wonderful to hear he is getting involved in trap shooting. Hopefully, Dad will get hooked too! My son began with a youth breakopen 28ga, moved into a BT 99 micro and now a BT100. If its a sport that he likes, really think hard about a trap "target" gun. Everything Henrydog has said is completely valid. Nothing wrong starting out with a 20ga. Just get the boy excited about the sport and progress as he grows. Practice targets at the club are really beneficial. His scores will have peeks and valleys....all shooters do. You will see these peeks and valleys begin to flatten out, over time consistently getting upper teens or twenties. Brian James is over at Cashmere gun club. My kids are Sub Jr and Junior Washington State ATA ambassadors and have come a long way since they began shooting. They would be glad to visit with him or give pointers. They both shoot FFA trap, along with ATA. Is Eastmont school using NCW gun club in E Wenatchee? Anyhow, feel free to reach out if you need anything...

They are shooting at the Wenatchee Gun Club (located in East Wenatchee / baker flats area). 

Appreciate everyone's help on this.  I'll keep posting on his progress...

[jrebel]

Update:

He has been to two practices and 5 rounds (125 shots).  First day of he shot his sisters semi auto and did pretty good for his first trap shooting experience ever. 

Today he shot his new CZ Drake 20 gauge for the first time. 

Round 1 he went 16/25 at the 16 yard line
Round 2 he went 9/25 at the 22 yard line
Round 3 he went 14/25 at the 16 again...but this time he was trying a few new techniques his coaches ask him to try. 

He will miss the next few practices due to a hunting trip, but when he returns he will be hitting it hard.  He is really enjoying shooting and loves his new O/U CZ. 

[MountainWalk]

I’m by no means an expert wing shooter, but I used to shoot regularly at the Bainbridge island club and could regularly score 19-23 out of 25. I didn’t start that way. An old man hipped me and advised me to point with my index finger along the forearm of the stock, and wouldn’t you know, I started hitting like I’d been doing it for awhile. Good luck!

[C-Money]

We are going to shoot Spangle Gun Clubs ATA shoot this Saturday. Its the clubs first registered ATA shoot. They always have great meat shoots, looking forward to supporting their registered shoot. Jrebel, I believe an ATA membership is $12 for kids if your boy would like to come and get some targets. It should be a great time.

[follow maggie]

Someone from the team or league should check with Sportsman’s Warehouse or other store about donating ammo. The Scheel’s stores out here take a portion of their ammo deliveries & give them to youth shooting organizations. Their reasoning is that they’re the most important people to get out shooting.

[C-Money]

We had a good time at Spangle. We did not shoot very well, but the shoot was ran quite well. My son won junior doubles with an 84.

[h2ofowlr]

Full disclosure....I am not a huge shotgun guru.  I own quite a few...but really only use them for turkey and grouse.  My son is joining the trap shooting team at his school.  He will be shooting a 20ga semi auto with 7 1/2 or or 8 shot 2 3/4" rounds...7/8 and 1 oz shot.  Now....this is my question...I figured a modified choke would be great.  His coach told him today that a full choke is what he needs.  For all you trap shooters, what do you say??? 

First time shooting was today and he went 11/25 and 14/25 from the 16 yard line.  Not to bad for his first time ever shooting trap.

I help as an assistant coach on my sons HS Trap team.  All the competion is from the 16 yard line.  Modified choke will work.  I see all sorts of different field guns that kids are shooting.  Only a few have the trap gun setups.  My son runs an improved modified out of his BT-99.  A bit more room for error and shooting #8 shot.  More pellets on target.  He has been shooting 23/25 to 24/25.  Once they are dialed in and shooting really well, a full would help dust targets vs. chipping them.